Waldsteinia

An outstanding evergreen groundcover that is completely winter hardy. Vinca will thrive in shaded locations where a lawn cannot grow. Vinca minor produces small narrow leaves and small blue flowers and reaches a height of about 20 cm. There are also cultivars with white flowers (‘Alba’), purple flowers (‘Atropurpurea’) with silver and green variegated leaves (‘Argenteovariegata’) and gold and green variegated leaves (‘Aureovariegata’). Vinca minor flowers from April to June.

This ground-covering semi-shrub grows to a height of about 20 cm. Its leaves remain a beautiful glossy green even during the winter. The plant produces underground runners that guarantee a good thick cover. Pachysandra is perfect for planting in a rich soil under trees or in a spot with partial shade. Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Sheen’ has dark shiny leaves and can better tolerate sunlight.

Acaena is an evergreen groundcover that can tolerate being walked on and does not exceed 10 cm. in height. Acaena produces recumbent or creeping stems. Its leaves are always serrated and are hairy either on both sides or only on the leaf vein. The various species display remarkable differences in foliage colour that can range from blue-green to reddish brown.

Waldsteinia produces aboveground runners to create a dense sod. The plant has tripartite leaves and yellow flowers. These yellow flower clusters appear in April and May. To flower profusely, this groundcover will need a little sun. Otherwise, it makes few demands of its growing location.

This mottled dead nettle is a beautiful evergreen groundcover for a somewhat moist growing location in partial to full shade. All species of Lamium maculatum spread by means of root suckers but bees will also ensure propagation by seed because the seed clings to their legs. ’White Nancy’ produces white flowers from May through June and reaches a height of 20 cm. Its sparkling silvery leaves make this cultivar the absolute leader among the dead nettles.